4 Pines Brewery ‘Don’t be afraid of the dark’ Poster

In 1941, during World War II, four pine trees were removed from the Manly shorefront in order to instal machine gun emplacements. A plaque on the stump of one of the four pines reads: This and three other trees were removed for defense purposes in December 1941 when these shores were threatened with invasion. Their absence is a reminder of the many greater sacrifices made to preserve this fair land for the people of Australia.

Many years later, in July 2008, at a site nearby, opposite the Manly wharf, the Four Pines Brewery started brewing. The partners in the business, Jaron Mitchell and Nick d’Espeissis, won a silver and a bronze medal at the Australian International Beer Awards. Other awards were received at other competitions. 

The well-appointed bar and dining room both overlook the brewing facility and most beers are on tap These include Kolsch, Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter, Hefeweizen plus specialty seasonal beers.

On September 22, 2017, 4 Pines announced it had been purchased by AB InBev, the world’s largest brewing company. The multi-national owns brands such as Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Carlton Draught and Victoria Bitter. That year it made a $4.5 billion profit. “The deal will enable 4 Pines to expand its operations and retain and grow their people, culture and identity. 4 Pines will continue to create its iconic beer experiences from its Brookvale and Manly breweries,” a press release says. 4 Pines will retain its management structure and 100 per cent of its staff.